summer eastern venezuela · vent 2009 summer eastern venezuela. d. ascanio 3 plan to submit a...

Summer Eastern Venezuela Sierra de Lema, Rio Grande, the Orinoco Delta & the east Llanos

June 18-28, 2009

Leader: David Ascanio Compiled by: David Ascanio

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours, inc.

2525 Wallington Drive, Suite 1003

Austin, TX 78746

www.ventbird.com

Collared Puffbird Bucco capensis Photo: D. Ascanio

VENT 2009 Summer Eastern Venezuela. D. Ascanio

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Victor Emanuel Nature Tours

Summer Eastern Venezuela

June 18-28, 2009

Leader: David Ascanio

The table-top mountains of the Guayanan shield in

southern Venezuela, northern Brazil, Guyana and E

Suriname are more than 100 precambrian Hills with

vertical walls, amazing water falls and hosting a high

endemism, both in flora and fauna. These mountains were

named "tepui" based on the Pemón Amerindian language,

referring to the square Hills of the region. The first of

these mountains to be explored was Mt. Roraima,

almost165 years ago, by the Schomburgk brothers. They

collected so many interesting specimens that it

encouraged museums from all over the World to explore

in further these unique wonders.

Just name any of the famed ornithologist of the neotropics and for sure his or her

name will be associated somehow with the study of the avifauna of the tepuis:

Chapman, Whitelyi, McConnell, Quelch, Tate, Phelps, Parker, Hilty, Islers. These

magic geological wonders have been inspiration for both Venezuelans and foreigners,

and the number of published accounts is endless.

Besides of being an inspiration to ornithologists,

most birders never realize that the most important

moment of the Venezuelan ornithology is associated with

these tepuis. This magic momento started in 1937 when

members of the staff of the American Museum of Natural

History sailed to Caracas to join an expedition to explore

the top of a mountain not known to exist even in a map.

Such mountain was Auyan-tepui, and the key people

involved were William H. Phelps, from Caracas and

Frank Chapman, of the American Museum of Natural

History. The Auyan-tepui expedition inspired, among

many other expeditions, the birth of the Colección

Ornitológica Phelps, and furthermore in 1967 the

publication of the manuscript entitled The origin of the Bird Fauna of the South

Venezuelan Highlands. In such work, Mayrn and Phelps summarized the avifauna of

several table-top mountains and analyzed the origin of the endemic species described to

date.

At thhe time of publication of The origin of the Bird Fauna of the South

Venezuelan Highlands it seemed like such study was enough to clear out many

pending taxonomical problems with this region. How wrong we were! A new era of

explorations of the tepuis is giving light to various pending matters. Few years ago,

members of the Smithsonian Institute and other organizations reached the wall of

Roraima from Guyana, producing a number of manuscripts and describing a cryptic

species, the Roraiman Antbird. Also, along with Steve Hilty I have been working to

clear out some pending taxonomical aspects of the avifauna of Sierra de Lema and


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plan to submit a description of a sibling species. In the same orientation, professor

Jorge Perez of the Universidad Central de Venezuela, has already explored the summit

of Guaiquinima-tepui, producing an incredible manuscript while I have been taking a

series of expeditions to Roraima-tepui obtaining new information about the tepui

endemic species (also named Pantepui endemics).

The above may explain you why we have explored Sierra de Lema with such

intensity. It wasn't only for the Red-banded Fruiteater, Flutist Wren, Rose-collared

Piha, Roraiman Barbtail and Black-fronted Tyrannulet, but also for the enjoyment of

the mystery that surrounds each of these species. To tell you one, recent DNA Studies

have revealed that the closest counterparts to the tepui endemic species are found in

Bolivia!

But, a trip to this region of Venezuela could not be completed without a visit to

other key areas, some being the Cuyuni river watershed (A major tributary of the

Essequibo, the extensive tropical humid forest of Rio Grande and the recently

rediscovered Orinoco Delta, where packs of forest, marshes and savannas represent an

amazing mosaic of habitats inviting the visitor to explore in further.

In our last day we took a boat ride into the Orinoco delta. I was a

little concern about the weather and although I warned everyone

to bring enough rain protection the clouds turned out to be just

right. There, it was the time for the Black-chested Tyrant, River

Island Spinetail and a Softtail not yet described.

We all like to tell everyone the total number of species for a

given birding trip. I like it too. But, it is also important to remark

that the total number of species on a trip is a way to understand

the meaning of richness in the Neotropics. And, this becomes a

tool and a good argument when suggesting to protect rich

envirenment countries. In our 2009 Summer Eastern Venezuela we packed 423

species, with some families showing a remarkable diversity, including the Psittacidae

(Macaws, parrots, parakeets and parrotlets): 22 species, Trochilidae (Hummingbirds):

25 species, Picidae (Woodpeckers & Piculets): 13 species, Cotingidae (Cotingas &

allies): 10 species, and the Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers): 67 species.

I want to thank you for accompanying me in my favorite tour in Venezuela. This was

my 25th

year guiding the tepui region and every time I come I experience the same

excitement and expectation as if this was my first one. I hope to see you in another

birding adventure!


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The Itinerary. 19 June 2009.

Flight to Puerto Ordaz followed by a short visit to the Cachamay park. There we had

an introduction to the birdlife of the Guianas. After midmorning we drove to Las

Claritas, with various stops along the road. Although the vegetation seemed lush the

Cuyuni river level was low.

20-21 June 2009.

We spent a couple of days we we managed to see almost all of the tepui endemic

species, including Roraiman Barbtail singing regularly and Tepui Gondelthroat

acting aggressively against other Trochilidae.

22 June 2009.

The day started with Guianan Red Cotinga singing and flying back and forth right

next to our vehicle. Then a couple of Capuchinbird (restoring the lek?) to finish with a

male Scale-backed Antbird. In the afternoon we headed to Gran Sabana where found

a breeding colony of Tawny-headed Swallow, making the first recording of the song

of this species in Venezuela. The day ended in Sierra de Lema with more endemics

and Roraiman Barbtail again.

23 June 2009.

The alarm ringed at 04:00AM. This was our last morning to look for the tepui

endemic species as we were driving to El Palmar in the afternoon. Soon after

breakfast we headed to Sierra de Lema and stop in a location where a pair of Red-

banded Fruiteater showed up long enough for us to get it in the scope. What a weird

combination of colors! But the best was about to come. Soon after we celebrated the

finding of the fruiteater a pair of Rose-collared Piha landed on an exposed branch

and started singing. Another great species. The morning ended with more sights of the

fruiteater (A second pair) and another group of pihas. A welcomed plate of pasta with

two types of sauce was served in Las Claritas, where we picked our luggage and

drove to El Palmar. The road was smooth with no stops as we wanted to spend some

time birding in the vicinity of El Palmar, where we received a special bonus, a male

White-naped Xenopsaris singing and showing the crest nicely only 12 feet away

from us. Other species seen today were Venezuelan Flycatcher and a race of Social

Flycatcher that shows neither wingbars nor dusky cheeks.

24 June 2009.

Our full day in Rio Grande started in an impressive way: A male and a female Harpy

Eagle where at the nest with the 45 days old chick that was being fed by the female.

We admired the size of the talons, the voice and the majesty of this species. Once we

spent enough time enjoying and learning about the ecology of the eagle we headed to

Curaima and Río Grande, where we saw Ferruginous-backed Antwren, Musician

Wren, Red-fan Parrot and reported about 15 species of Antbirds.

25 June 2009.

A return to Rio Grande allowed views of Collared Puffbird, Barred Forest-Falcon,

and four Crimson Topaz (3 males + 1 female nesting). In the afternoon we drove to

Tucupita.

26 June 2009. Our full day in the Orinoco delta was as good as a well stored red wine. The day

started with views of the Unnamed Softtatil followed by Black-chested Tyrant and

Crimson-hooded Manakin. Later in the day we managed to see the Unnamed

Wagtail Tyrant and River Island Spinetail. Other river island specialist included

Riverside Tyrant and River Tyrannulet.

27 June 2009.


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Our last morning was spent near Tucupita where we saw Slender-billed Kite, a lek of

Little Hermit and Festive Parrot. On the drive to Maturín we got Rubi Topaz along

with 19 species of birds of prey.

The Birdlist. Tinamous / Tinamidae

Tinamous were very silent this time of the year. We heard only three species, which

called in few opportunities, specially at dusk.

Great Tinamou. Tinamus major. Heard in the lower slope of Sierra de Lema,

below 600m.

Red-legged Tinamou. Crypturellus erythropus. Heard in the dry forest near El

Palmar.

Variegated Tinamou. Crypturellus variegatus. Heard in the humid forest of

Rio Grande.

Grebes / Podicipedidae Least Grebe. Tachybaptus dominicus. Various sights in ponds around the

Orinoco Delta and in El Palmar.

Pelicans / Pelecanidae Brown Pelican. Pelecanus occidentalis. Few along the Caribbean coast, on the

drive from the hotel to the airport.

Cormorants / Phalacrocoracidae Neotropic Cormorant. Phalacrocorax brasilianus. Common and numerous in

Delta Amacuro.

Anhingas & Darters / Anhingidae Anhinga. Anhinga anhinga. First seen in Cachamay park, in Puerto Ordaz,

and later seen in the Orinoco Delta. Not numerous.

Herons, Egrets & Bitterns / Ardeidae Capped Heron. Pilherodius pileatus. Great views of a single individual along

the road from El Palmar to Rio Grande.

Cocoi Heron. Ardea cocoi. Sights of single individuals in Delta Amacuro and

one in breeding plumage in Cachamay park.

Great Egret. Ardea alba. Daily views in borrow pits along the roads. Also in

Delta Orinoco, but not in concentrations.

Little Blue Heron. Egretta caerulea. One individual along the main stem of the

Orinoco while we were on the boat.

Snowy Egret. Egretta thula. One individual on the main stem of the Orinoco

and an additional pair on a pond along the road to Maturín.

Cattle Egret. Bubulcus ibis. Common and numerous around El Palmar and in

the Orinoco Delta.

Striated Heron. Butorides striata. Various individuals on ponds along the road

to Las Claritas. Also seen on the Orinoco and along the road to Maturín.

Pinnated Bittern. Botaurus pinnatus. One individual on a pond west of

Tucupita, on our drive to Maturín.

Storks / Ciconiidae Wood Stork. Mycteria americana. One individual flying over Gran Sabana at

1300m and an additional one in the Orinoco river.

Ibises & Spoonbills / Threskiornithidae Green Ibis. Mesembrinibis cayennensis. One individual taking off from a

wetland at dusk in El Palmar.


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Screamers / Anhimidae Horned Screamer. Anhima cornuta. Heard in the Orinoco river.

Ducks, Geese & Swans / Anatidae White-faced Whistling-Duck. Dendrocygna viduata. Pairs and small groups in

El Palmar and near Tucupita.

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck. Dendrocygna autumnalis. Less widespread

than previous species but more numerous where found. Seen mainly in El Palmar.

New World Vultures / Cathartidae The Cathartidae, along with the Pandionidae, Accipitridae and Falconidae represents

what is commonly named the Birds of Prey. In a single day in the Orinoco delta we

managed to see 19 of these species.

Black Vulture. Coragyps atratus. Common and widespread. Daily views,

except in forested areas.

Turkey Vulture. Cathartes aura. Commoner in forested areas than previous

species.

Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture. Cathartes burrovianus. Only one individual in

El Palmar and many more along the Orinoco.

Greater Yellow-headed Vulture. Cathartes melambrotus. Common in lowland

forested areas.

King Vulture. Sarcoramphus papa. A pair soaring in Rio Grande.

Osprey / Pandionidae Osprey. Pandion haliaetus. First seen in El Palmar and an additional two

individuals in the Orinoco.

Hawks, Eagles & Kites / Accipitridae Swallow-tailed Kite. Elanoides forficatus. Daily views in forested areas but

mainly single individuals or pairs, not in groups as it would be seen in the dry season.

Pearl Kite. Gampsonyx swainsonii. One individual seen along the road to

Maturín.

White-tailed Kite. Elanus leucurus. A couple of individuals seen along the road

from Tucupita to Maturín.

Snail Kite. Rostrhamus sociabilis. Individuals seen near Tucupita.

Slender-billed Kite. Rostrhamus hamatus. Three individuals were seen in the

swamp forest near Tucupita.

Double-toothed Kite. Harpagus bidentatus. A couple of individuals were seen

in Sierra de Lema.

Plumbeous Kite. Ictinia plumbea. Although common and widespread, not

numerous. One individual in juvenile plumage was seen in Rio Grande, with mottle

breast. Also, an additional individual was seen carrying nesting material in Rio

Grande.

Plain-breasted Hawk. Accipiter ventralis. Heard and seen in Sierra de Lema.

Crane Hawk. Geranospiza caerulescens. One individual in the Alto Cuyuni

road, and an additional one in El Palmar.

White Hawk. Leucopternis albicollis. A single individual was seen regularly in

Sierra de Lema.

Savanna Hawk. Buteogallus meridionalis. Daily views in open areas in the

lowlands. Common.

Black-collared Hawk. Busarellus nigricollis. One individual in a wetland near

Tucupita.


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Roadside Hawk. Buteo magnirostris. Daily views. Common and widespread in

forest edge and secondary growth.

Gray Hawk. Buteo nitidus. Seen only three times in lowland forested areas. Not

common.

White-tailed Hawk. Buteo albicaudatus. A pale morph individual was seen in

Gran Sabana, and an additional five individuals along the road to Maturín.

Harpy Eagle Harpia harpyja. What an experience! As soon as we arrived there

was a female on the nest and few minutes later the male brought a prey for it and the

43 days old chick.

Caracaras & Falcons / Falconidae Red-throated Caracara. Ibycter americanus. A small group of five individuals

was seen in Rio Grande.

Crested Caracara. Caracara cheriway. Common in open areas in the lowlands

and on Gran Sabana.

Yellow-headed Caracara. Milvago chimachima. Equal to the previous species,

common in open areas and on Gran Sabana. Less numerous than previous species.

Laughing Falcon. Herpetotheres cachinnans. This species was seen three

times, always in moist to humid lowland forest.

Barred Forest-Falcon. Micrastur ruficollis. Astonishing views of a juvenile

and an adult in Rio Grande. The juvenile perched literally over our heads at it called

insistently.

American Kestrel. Falco sparverius. Seen towards the end of the trip, along the

road to Maturín.

Aplomado Falcon. Falco femoralis. The regularly seen individual on Gran

Sabana was reported in our trip, representing the highest record south of the Orinoco

river.

Bat Falcon. Falco rufigularis. Seen near Las Claritas and in Rio Grande again.

Guans, Chachalacas & Allies / Cracidae Rufous-vented Chachalaca. Ortalis ruficauda. Heard in Tucupita, and later

seen on the drive to Maturín.

Little Chachalaca. Ortalis motmot. A small group was seen at dawn in El

Palmar.

New World Quail / Odontophoridae Crested Bobwhite. Colinus cristatus. Various groups were seen in El Palmar.

This time they were quite vocal, unlike in the dry season, when remains silent.

Limpkin / Aramidae Limpkin. Aramus guarauna. Heard in Tucupita.

Rails, Gallinules & Coots / Rallidae Purple Gallinule. Porphyrio martinica. Seen regularly near El Palmar.

Common Moorhen. Gallinula chloropus. Seen regularly near El Palmar.

Sungrebe & Finfoots / Heliornithidae Sungrebe. Heliornis fulica. One individual was flushed while entering a creek

in the Orinoco.

Jacanas / Jacanidae Wattled Jacana. Jacana jacana. Common around El Palmar.

Plovers & Lapwings / Charadriidae Southern Lapwing. Vanellus chilensis. Common between Puerto Ordaz to

Tumeremo.


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Collared Plover. Charadrius collaris. Two pairs in the river islands on the

Orinoco.

Terns / Sternidae Large-billed Tern. Phaetusa simplex. Common, but not numerous, along the

Orinoco.

Skimmers / Rhynchopidae Black Skimmer. Rynchops niger. Three individuals were seen along the

Orinoco river.

Pigeons & Doves / Columbidae Rock Pigeon ( I ). Columba livia. Common in populated areas. Uncommon

south of Las Claritas.

Scaled Pigeon. Patagioenas speciosa. Astonishing views of an individual

perched in Rio Grande, in the vicinity of the Harpy Eagle nest.

Pale-vented Pigeon. Patagioenas cayennensis. Seen regularly in semi open

areas, not above 500m.

Plumbeous Pigeon. Patagioenas plumbea. Heard in lowland forested areas.

Ruddy Pigeon. Patagioenas subvinacea. Seen in Rio Grande.

Eared Dove. Zenaida auriculata. Many individuals were seen along the road to

Maturín.

Common Ground-Dove. Columbina passerina. Common outside Rio Grande

and near Maturín.

Plain-breasted Ground-Dove. Columbina minuta. Less common than previous,

and usually associated with wet grasslands, we saw few flying near El Palmar.

Ruddy Ground-Dove. Columbina talpacoti. Common in open areas.

Scaled Dove. Columbina squammata. Common in open areas.

White-tipped Dove. Leptotila verreauxi. A pair seen near El Palmar.

Gray-fronted Dove. Leptotila rufaxilla. Various sights in lowland forested

areas.

Violaceous Quail-Dove. Geotrygon violacea. One seen well by John in Rio

Grande.

Ruddy Quail-Dove. Geotrygon montana. One individual flying across the road

in Sierra de Lema.

Parrots, Macaws & Allies / Psittacidae This family usually gives you an idea of the status of the habitat. In areas where the

some species have have been heavily trapped like in the Guianas and some locations

of NE Venezuela, the lack of these species is rapidly noticed by the silent in the

forest. In our trip we managed to visit undisturbed areas allowing views of 22 species.

Red-and-green Macaw. Ara chloropterus. 3 flying over Sierra de Lema.

Red-bellied Macaw. Orthopsittaca manilata. About 7 individuals flying over

Gran Sabana at 1300m. This represents an altitudinal extension.

Red-shouldered Macaw. Diopsittaca nobilis. Few pairs in Gran Sabana, Rio

Grande and the Orinoco delta.

White-eyed Parakeet. Aratinga leucophthalma. More than a dozen in El

Palmar. Not very numerous, like in previous years.

Brown-throated Parakeet. Aratinga pertinax. Common in the Orinoco delta.

Painted Parakeet. Pyrrhura picta. Few individuals in the lowlands adjacent to

Sierra de Lema.

Fiery-shouldered Parakeet. Pyrrhura egregia. A group of more than a dozen

individuals was scoped in Gran Sabana.


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Green-rumped Parrotlet. Forpus passerinus. Heard and seen regularly in semi

open areas.

Orange-chinned Parakeet. Brotogeris jugularis. Only heard in Cachamay

park.

Golden-winged Parakeet. Brotogeris chrysoptera. Various pairs flying and

perched in lowland forested areas.

Tepui Parrotlet. Nannopsittaca panychlora. Mostly heard flying high over

Sierra de Lema.

Lilac-tailed Parrotlet. Touit batavicus. Flocks of 20+ individuals were seen

flying over Rio Grande. Fairly common in the rainy season, and absent during the dry

season.

Black-headed Parrot. Pionites melanocephalus. Seen a couple of times, and

enjoyed with the scope.

Caica Parrot. Pionopsitta caica. Four individuals were seen flying over Rio

Grande.

Blue-headed Parrot. Pionus menstruus. Fairly common in lowland forest,

albeit not numerous.

Dusky Parrot. Pionus fuscus. Various pairs, unfortunately only flying by.

Blue-cheeked Parrot. Amazona dufresniana. Great views of small groups (5+

ind) in lower Sierra de Lema and in the Alto Cuyuni road.

Festive Parrot. Amazona festiva. A pair scoped near Tucupita.

Yellow-crowned Parrot. Amazona ochrocephala. Two pairs near Tucupita.

Orange-winged Parrot. Amazona amazonica. The commonest Pisttacidae in

southern Venezuela.

Mealy Parrot. Amazona farinosa. Several pairs scoped, usually in the lowlands.

Red-fan Parrot. Deroptyus accipitrinus. A pair seen well throughout the scope

in Rio Grande.

Cuckoos / Cuculidae Squirrel Cuckoo. Piaya cayana. Heard frequently and seen in Sierra de Lema

and in the lowlands.

Little Cuckoo. Coccycua minuta. Great view near Tucupita.

Greater Ani. Crotophaga major. Small groups in the Orinoco delta.

Smooth-billed Ani. Crotophaga ani. Several seen mainly in grassy habitat

along the roads.

Groove-billed Ani. Crotophaga sulcirostris. Less common than the species

above, only a pair was seen near El Palmar.

Striped Cuckoo. Tapera naevia. Great view of an individual singing after a

heavy rain, on the drive to Las Claritas.

Typical Owls / Strigidae Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl. Glaucidium brasilianum. Heard regularly and seen

in the Alto Cuyuni road.

Potoos / Nyctibiidae Great Potoo. Nyctibius grandis. Nicely seen in Rio Grande.

Swifts / Apodidae Tepui Swift. Cypseloides phelpsi. Nice studies in Gran Sabana. Seen incredibly

well, flying low over the grassland.

White-chinned Swift. Cypseloides cryptus. A pair was observed along with a

large flock of Tepui Swift in Gran Sabana.


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White-collared Swift. Streptoprocne zonaris. Common and numerous. Quite

vocal in the late afternoon.

Band-rumped Swift. Chaetura spinicaudus. Scattered individuals in the

lowland forested areas.

Gray-rumped Swift. Chaetura cinereiventris. Pairs in Sierra de Lema.

Chapman's Swift. Chaetura chapmani. We may have seen this species in the

Alto Cuyuni road. The robust body and distinctive paused flight pattern suggested the

species.

Short-tailed Swift. Chaetura brachyura. Common in the lowlands. Usually

fond to semi open areas.

White-tipped Swift. Aeronautes montivagus. Heard and seen in Sierra de Lema.

Usually absent in the dry season.

Fork-tailed Palm-Swift. Tachornis squamata. More than 10 individuals around

Tucupita.

Hummingbirds / Trochilidae Eastern Long-tailed Hermit. Phaethornis superciliosus. One of the

commonest Trochilidae in southern Venezuela. Seen almost daily.

Straight-billed Hermit. Phaethornis bourcieri. Probably as common as the

previous species, but less numerous. Seen daily in Sierra de Lema and frequently in

the lowlands.

Little Hermit. Phaethornis longuemareus. Great views of 4 males singing in a

lek near Tucupita.

Reddish Hermit. Phaethornis ruber. Common near water streams inside the

forest. Few singing.

Gray-breasted Sabrewing. Campylopterus largipennis. Only one individual in

Sierra de Lema. Usually more numerous in the dry season.

Rufous-breasted Sabrewing. Campylopterus hyperythrus. Superb views (Some

singing) in Sierra de Lema.

Brown Violet-ear. Colibri delphinae. Only a pair in Sierra de Lema. Way more

numerous in the dry season.

Black-throated Mango. Anthracothorax nigricollis. About 4 males were seen

near Tucupita.

Crimson Topaz. Topaza pella. What a view! First we saw two young males,

followed by a female nesting and finally had an astonishing male foraging close to the

water.

Ruby-topaz Hummingbird. Chrysolampis mosquitus. Another one seem

incredibly well. A male perched near us on a stop along the road to Maturin.

Peacock Coquette. Lophornis pavoninus. Seen several times, mostly

individuals in juvenile plumage.

Blue-tailed Emerald. Chlorostilbon mellisugus. One female was seen in

Cachamay, and later a male with the distinctive forked tail.

Fork-tailed Woodnymph. Thalurania furcata. Daily views, but not numerous.

Rufous-throated Sapphire. Hylocharis sapphirina. Great views of a male

singing at an exposed branch in the sub canopy in Rio Grande.

White-chinned Sapphire. Hylocharis cyanus. A male was seen at edge of

forest in Rio Grande, at eye level.

White-tailed Goldenthroat. Polytmus guainumbi. Only one individual seen

near Tucupita. Usually fond to swamp areas, with floating vegetation.

Tepui Goldenthroat. Polytmus milleri. Superb views of three individuals in

Gran Sabana. In all occasions they were quite aggressive against other Trochilidae.


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White-chested Emerald. Agyrtria brevirostris. One individual was singing at

the entrance of Rio Grande. Seen well.

Glittering-throated Emerald. Polyerata fimbriata. Common in drier habitats,

and very responsive to the song of the Pygmy Owl.

Copper-tailed Hummingbird. Saucerottia cupreicauda. Seen twice on Gran

Sabana. A recent split and a new tepui endemic.

Copper-rumped Hummingbird. Saucerottia tobaci. One individual in

Cachamay.

Velvet-browed Brilliant. Heliodoxa xanthogonys. Seen daily in Sierra de

Lema, including males and females.

Black-eared Fairy. Heliothryx auritus. 1 in the Alto Cuyuni road. Without a

doubt this is one of the most beautiful Trochilidae in southern Venezuela.

Long-billed Starthroat. Heliomaster longirostris. A pair in the Alto Cuyuni

road.

Amethyst Woodstar. Calliphlox amethystina. A female nesting in Sierra de

Lema. Unfortunately, it was not seen well due to a heavy rain.

Trogons / Trogonidae White-tailed Trogon. Trogon viridis. Seen in Rio Grande. This race occurring

in the Orinoco and Amazon basin is sometimes treated as a separate species, the

Amazonian White-tailed Trogon.

Violaceous Trogon. Trogon violaceus. Heard in Río Grande.

Masked Trogon. Trogon personatus. Great views in Sierra de Lema. Notice its

altitudinal distribution in the Venezuelan andes, where usually found above 2000

meters.

Black-tailed Trogon. Trogon melanurus. Heard in Río Grande.

Kingfishers / Alcedinidae Ringed Kingfisher. Megaceryle torquata. Few pairs were seen in El Palmar

wetlands.

Amazon Kingfisher. Chloroceryle amazona. A single one in El Palmar

wetlands.

Green Kingfisher. Chloroceryle americana. Two pairs were seen in El Palmar

wetlands.

Green-and-rufous Kingfisher. Chloroceryle inda. One was briefly seen flying

over a small river in the Orinoco delta.

American Pygmy Kingfisher. Chloroceryle aenea. Heard in the Orinoco delta.

Unfortunately it remained in dense thick vegetation over water.

Motmots / Momotidae Blue-crowned Motmot. Momotus momota. Heard in the slope of Sierra de

Lema.

Jacamars / Galbulidae Brown Jacamar. Brachygalba lugubris. A pair was enjoyed in Gran Sabana.

Green-tailed Jacamar. Galbula galbula. Nicely seen in the Alto Cuyuni road.

Rufous-tailed Jacamar. Galbula ruficauda. This species is a replacement of

the previous in northern Venezuela. A pair was seen near Tucupita.

Paradise Jacamar. Galbula dea. Seen frequently in lowland forested areas.

Great Jacamar. Jacamerops aureus. Nice views in Rio Grande.

Puffbirds / Bucconidae


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White-necked (Guianan) Puffbird. Notharchus macrorhynchos. One

individual was seen perched high on a exposed branch of a Cecropia. Currently

treated as a separate species, Guianan Puffbird.

Pied Puffbird. Notharchus tectus. Seen on the drive to Las Claritas.

Collared Puffbird. Bucco capensis. What a view! We enjoyed this species for

many minutes, perched low in the midstorey, allowing us to reach to it as close as 12

feet away. An experience hard to forget!

Russet-throated Puffbird. Hypnelus ruficollis. Seen in Cachamay and near

Tucupita.

Black Nunbird. Monasa atra. Seen regularly in Rio Grande.

Swallow-wing. Chelidoptera tenebrosa. Seen almost daily.

Barbets / Capitonidae Black-spotted Barbet. Capito niger. Two pairs in consecutive days were seen

in Rio Grande. Unlike many barbets, this species is particularly silent.

Toucans / Ramphastidae Green Aracari. Pteroglossus viridis. Groups of about 7 individuals were seen

in the lowlands. Occurs regularly at edge of forest and in farmland near forest.

Black-necked Aracari. Pteroglossus aracari. Like the above species, this one

seems to tolerate drier habitat as well. Seen in the Alto Cuyuni road, El palmar and in

Tucupita.

Channel-billed Toucan. Ramphastos vitellinus. A pair was seen on the drive to

Las Claritas.

Red-billed Toucan (White-throated Toucan). Ramphastos tucanus. Common

in lowland forested areas.

Woodpeckers & Allies / Picidae Golden-spangled Piculet. Picumnus exilis. A single male was observed in

Sierra de Lema, while a pair was enjoyed in Rio Grande.

Black-spotted Piculet (E). Picumnus nigropunctatus. Superb views of a pair

near Tucupita.

White-bellied Piculet. Picumnus spilogaster. After a bit of a search in the

Orinoco delta, we nailed this one as well. Observed very well in riverine forest.

Yellow-tufted Woodpecker. Melanerpes cruentatus. Seen regularly in the


Red-crowned Woodpecker. Melanerpes rubricapillus. Seen in open areas (i.e.

Farmland, disturbed forest, secondary growth and parks).

Little Woodpecker. Veniliornis passerinus. A pair in the Orinoco delta were

calling regularly. Seen in the walk across the gallery forest.

Golden-collared Woodpecker. Veniliornis cassini. A single individual was

enjoyed while watching a feeding flock in Sierra de Lema. Additionally, three other

individuals were enjoyed in Rio Grande.

Golden-olive Woodpecker. Piculus rubiginosus. A couple of pairs were seen.

One in Sierra de Lema and the second in Rio Grande.

Waved Woodpecker. Celeus undatus. Heard in Rio Grande. Despite much

search we could not see it.

Cream-colored Woodpecker. Celeus flavus. A pair seen nicely in the Orinoco

delta.

Lineated Woodpecker. Dryocopus lineatus. Heard in the Orinoco delta.

Red-necked Woodpecker. Campephilus rubricollis. Nice views of a pair in Rio

Grande.


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Crimson-crested Woodpecker. Campephilus melanoleucos. A couple of pairs

in forested lowland areas.

Ovenbirds & Woodcreepers / Furnariidae What is known today as Furnariidae involved two families: The Ovenbirds

(Furnariidae) and the woodcreepers (Dendrocolaptidae). Although there have been a

historic controversy (For almost 100 years!) whether they should be treated as one or

two separate families, DNA sequence published in 2002 have revealed that both must

be considered as one family, reverting all the species into the Furnariidae. The

proposal for accepting this change was made in September 2004, and the SACC

committee accepted it.

River Island Spinetail (E). Synallaxis beverlyae. We saw this species three

times, in separate islands in the Orinoco delta. In all occasions we had great views and

could even see the eye color. For seeing the description of the species, please refer to:

Hilty, S. & D. Ascanio. 2009. A new species of Spinetail (Furnariidae: Synallaxis)

from the Río Orinoco of Venezuela. The Auk 126(3):485-492.

McConnell's Spinetail. Synallaxis macconnelli. A skulking species. It was seen

very well in Sierra de Lema.

Pale-breasted Spinetail. Synallaxis albescens. Seen first in Gran Sabana and

later near Tucupita.

Plain-crowned Spinetail. Synallaxis gujanensis. Seen well in the Orinoco delta.

Rusty-backed Spinetail. Cranioleuca vulpina. Three very responsive pairs

were seen in the Orinoco delta.

Tepui Spinetail. Cranioleuca demissa. Our first attempt was not very good, but

later on, in Sierra de Lema, we managed to see it very well. This canopy species can

be tricky to see!

Yellow-chinned Spinetail. Certhiaxis cinnamomeus. A pair was seen in

Cachamay falls.

Un-named Softtail. Thripophaga sp.nov. We are about to submit the

description of this species. In the Orinoco delta we managed to enjoy great views of a

pair of it.

Roraiman Barbtail. Roraimia adusta. By far, my favorite tepui endemic

species. We enjoyed daily pairs in Sierra de Lema. Astonishing!

Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner. Automolus ochrolaemus. One individual was

seen in Sierra de Lema. Unmistakable voice!

Olive-backed Foliage-gleaner. Automolus infuscatus. This one was briefly seen

with a mixed species feeding flock in Rio Grande.

White-throated Foliage-gleaner (Tepui Foliage-gleaner). Automolus

roraimae. After a bit of search, one individual was seen very well in Sierra de Lema.

Plain Xenops. Xenops minutus. One in Rio Grande with a canopy feeding

flock.

Plain-brown Woodcreeper. Dendrocincla fuliginosa. One was seen along with

a canopy feeding flock. The race of Rio Grande is the largest of the species in

Venezuela.

Olivaceous Woodcreeper. Sittasomus griseicapillus. Heard in Sierra de Lema.

Wedge-billed Woodcreeper. Glyphorynchus spirurus. See daily in lowlands

forested areas as well as in Sierra de Lema.

Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper. Dendrexetastes rufigula. Great views of a

pair near the Ceiba tree with the Harpy Eagle nest. We had to keep our eyes on the

eagle as well as on the woodcreeper!


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Chestnut-rumped Woodcreeper. Xiphorhynchus pardalotus. Seen mostly in

pairs, foraging with feeding flocks in Sierra de Lema and in Rio Grande. Heard

frequently.

Striped Woodcreeper. Xiphorhynchus obsoletus. Nice studies of one individual

in the riverine forest of the Orinoco delta. Called infrequently.

Buff-throated Woodcreeper. Xiphorhynchus guttatus. The commonest

woodcreeper in southern Venezuela. It was heard almost every morning and seen in

many occasions.

Straight-billed Woodcreeper. Dendroplex picus. Three individuals were seen

in the Orinoco delta. This species is likely to be split on the future. Keep an eye on it!

Streak-headed Woodcreeper. Lepidocolaptes souleyetii. A pair was seen

nicely in Cachamay park. This species have preference for drier forest.

Typical Antbirds / Thamnophilidae Fasciated Antshrike. Cymbilaimus lineatus. A couple of pairs were seen in Rio

Grande.

Great Antshrike. Taraba major. Heard in the Orinoco delta.

Black-crested Antshrike. Sakesphorus Canadensis. Two pairs were calling

regularly in the Orinoco delta. Both pairs were seen.

Barred Antshrike. Thamnophilus doliatus. Heard in Rio Grande, and seen in

the Orinoco delta.

Mouse-colored Antshrike. Thamnophilus murinus. Heard in Rio Grande.

Northern Slaty-Antshrike. Thamnophilus punctatus. Pair in Rio Grande.

Streak-backed Antshrike (E). Thamnophilus insignis. Interesting enough, only

a male was seen foraging very quiet. This conspicuous antshrike is usually calling in

pairs, thus making me believe it may have been nesting.

Plain Antvireo. Dysithamnus mentalis. A pair in Sierra de Lema.

Dusky-throated Antshrike. Thamnomanes ardesiacus. Seen a couple of times

with understory feeding flocks.

Cinereous Antshrike. Thamnomanes caesius. Seen with feeding flocks as well.

Guianan Antwren. Myrmotherula surinamensis. Pairs were seen in Rio Grande

and the Orinoco delta.

Rufous-bellied Antwren. Myrmotherula guttata. Great views in Rio Grande.

One of the most gorgeous antwrens in Venezuela.

Brown-bellied Antwren. Myrmotherula gutturalis. Seen with every understory

feeding flock in Rio Grande.

Gray Antwren. Myrmotherula menetriesii. Equal to the previous species, it was

seen with every understory feeding flock in Rio Grande.

Roraiman Antwren. Herpsilochmus roraimae. Pairs were seen daily in Sierra

de Lema.

Todd's Antwren. Herpsilochmus stictocephalus. One individual by John in Rio

Grande.

White-fringed Antwren (Northern White-fringed Antwren). Formicivora

grisea (Formicivora (g.) intermedia). Heard in El Palmar.

Ash-winged Antwren. Terenura spodioptila. Heard in Sierra de Lema and seen

later in Rio Grande. Despite of being a high canopy species, the contrasting color of

the back is a good field mark.

Dusky Antbird. Cercomacra tyrannina. Heard frequently as occurs in thick

secondary growth at edges of forest.


15

Gray Antbird. Cercomacra cinerascens. One male was very cooperative in

Sierra de Lema, allowing great views of it. Towards the end of the trip, a pair were

seen in Rio Grande.

Jet Antbird. Cercomacra nigricans. A pair seen in the Orinoco delta.

White-browed Antbird. Myrmoborus leucophrys. A pair in the farm entrance,

in Rio Grande.

Black-chinned Antbird. Hypocnemoides melanopogon. Several in the Orinoco

delta.

Silvered Antbird. Sclateria naevia. Great views at edges of the riverine forest

in the Orinoco delta.

White-bellied Antbird. Myrmeciza longipes. Heard in Rio Grande.

Ferruginous-backed Antbird. Myrmeciza ferruginea. Great views of a male

walking with confidence on the forest floor. Another hard to forget antbird.

Scale-backed Antbird. Hylophylax poecilinotus. A very responsive male

approached to us in the Alto Cuyuni road.

White-plumed Antbird. Pithys albifrons. One individual briefly seen in Rio

Grande. Unfortunately we did not find this time a large ant swarm.

Rufous-throated Antbird. Gymnopithys rufigula. A pair were seen in Rio

Grande, away from army ants. This may suggest that the breeding season was delayed

due to the lack of rains.

Antthrushes & Antpittas / Formicariidae The following genera were originally treated with the previous family. The

antthrushes (Formicarius and Chamaeza) are today treated as a separate family, while

the antpittas (Grallaria, Grallaricula, Hylopezus and other genera) have been placed

into a separate family, the Grallaridae. Here we follow the taxonomy in Clements.

Black-faced Antthrush. Formicarius analis. Heard in Rio Grande at dawn.

Spotted Antpitta. Hylopezus macularius. Heard in Rio Grande, in the evening.

Thrush-like Antpitta. Myrmothera campanisona. Unlike in other Summer

Eastern Venezuela tours, in this year we did not hear this species every day. In fact, it

was heard only once.

Tepui Antpitta. Myrmothera simplex. Patience pays back with this species.

After a while standing still inside the forest we were able to see this wonderful

antipitta hopping on the ground very close to our feet!

Scaled Antpitta. Grallaria guatimalensis. Heard in Sierra de Lema.

Cotingas / Cotingidae Sharpbill. Oxyruncus cristatus. Heard only once in Sierra de Lema, along with

a canopy feeding flock. Unfortunately, not seen.

Red-banded Fruiteater. Pipreola whitelyi. Astonishing views of a pair

foraging in the canopy of a tree. We had 4 individuals scoped in a single morning!

Screaming Piha. Lipaugus vociferans. Heard in the Alto Cuyuni road.

Rose-collared Piha. Lipaugus streptophorus. Another one showing remarkably

well. 2 pairs were scoped in a single morning.

Spangled Cotinga. Cotinga cayana. This species turned out to be commoner

than previous trips. We were lucky enough to see and enjoy throughout the scope 3

males in three different days.

Purple-throated Fruitcrow. Querula purpurata. Nice views of a small group

in Rio Grande.

Capuchinbird. Perissocephalus tricolor. Despite the commotion that may have

forced this species to move away from the original lek we managed to see 2 adults

calling in one of the satellite leks. Scope!


16

White Bellbird. Procnias albus. Despite much of our search in Sierra de Lema,

we managed to see females and males in subadult plumage.

Bearded Bellbird. Procnias averano. Daily views of males and females in

Sierra de Lema.

Guianan Red-Cotinga. Phoenicircus carnifex. What a view! Early in the

morning a male called right next to our vehicle and flew over a open area, landing

semi exposed in a tree located at the edge of the forest.

Guianan Cock-of-the-rock. Rupicola rupicola

Manakins / Pipridae Manakins represent the quintessence of neotropical birds. Males have bright and

contrasting plumage while females are usually drab and dull. Males, also display in

leks, thus becoming a very interesting aspect of the behavior. The last two species,

Pirpites and Schiffornis are probably not true manakins and sometimes placed as

incertae sedis.

Crimson-hooded Manakin. Pipra aureola. Great views of a male in the lek, in

the Orinoco delta.

Golden-headed Manakin. Pipra erythrocephala. Heard many times in lowland

forested areas, and seen towards the end of the trip.

Scarlet-horned Manakin. Pipra cornuta. Great shots of a male displaying on

the lek.

Blue-crowned Manakin. Lepidothrix coronata. One male heard in Sierra de

Lema.

Tepui Manakin (Orange-bellied Manakin). Lepidothrix suavissima (Pipra

suavissima). Several juvenile and a male in Sierra de Lema. Despite the English name

given in Clements this species is not restricted to the tepuis. Therefore, I strongly

suggest ornithologists and birdwatchers to keep calling it Orange-bellied Manakin.

White-crowned Manakin. Dixiphia pipra. One male singing in Sierra de Lema.

White-throated Manakin. Corapipo gutturalis. I male was seen in the lower

part of Sierra de Lema. Silent.

Olive Manakin. Chloropipo uniformis. Seen a couple of times in Sierra de

Lema. Unlike most manakins the male of this species is olive as the female.

Tiny Tyrant-Manakin. Tyranneutes virescens. Only heard in Rio Grande. We

found this species silent and secretive this year.

Wing-barred Piprites. Piprites chloris. Heard in Sierra de Lema.

Thrush-like Schiffornis. Schiffornis turdina. Heard in Rio Grande.

Tyrant Flycatchers / Tyrannidae The Tyrant-Flycatchers are one of the best examples of speciation in the neotropics.

For the visitor to the neotropics it can be both frustrating and exciting to see a number

of these species coming after the whistle of the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl. In our tour

we managed to see and learn how to identify many of it, and still saw individuals of

three species which might still be un-described!

Un-named Wagtail Tyrant. Stigmatura sp. nov. Various pair of this species

were seen in river islands along the Orinoco delta. Wait for the description of it in few

years!

Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet. Tyrannulus elatus. Heard several times and seen

in Rio Grande.

Forest Elaenia. Myiopagis gaimardii. Heard various times in the lowland

forested areas, and seen well in the Orinoco delta. This species is sometimes hard to

identify given the lack of contrasts in the plumage.

Yellow-bellied Elaenia. Elaenia flavogaster. Pair near Tucupita.


17

Small-billed Elaenia. Elaenia parvirostris. This one is a hypothetical for the

trip. Pat described an Elaenia with conspicuous eyering. This would be an odd record

because is out of the migration period. I am keeping it in the list as a reference for the

future. Seen near Tucupita.

Plain-crested Elaenia. Elaenia cristata. Various individuals in Gran Sabana,

including some with the crest laid back.

Great Elaenia (E). Elaenia dayi. After a bit of a search we managed to locate

two individuals in Gran Sabana. Excellent views!

Sierran Elaenia. Elaenia pallatangae. Various pairs in Sierra de Lema. Keep

an eye on this one as it may become a separate species in the future.

White-lored Tyrannulet. Ornithion inerme. Great views of a single individual

in the Alto Cuyuni road.

Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet. Camptostoma obsoletum. Common and

active in forest edge near Puerto Ordaz and in Tucupita.

River Tyrannulet. Serpophaga hypoleuca. A river island specialist. Three pairs

were seen in the Orinoco delta.

Mouse-colored Tyrannulet. Phaeomyias murina. Despite the fact that many

tyrant flycatchers do have brown plumage (Thus resembling the color of a mouse!),

this species is specially drab and uniform, with two wing bars and a distinctive but

dull eyebrow. A pair was seen well near Tucupita.

Yellow Tyrannulet. Capsiempis flaveola. A single individual was seen in the

Orinoco delta. This is odd, as this species usually forages in pairs. Nesting?

Ringed Antpipit. Corythopis torquatus. One was seen in Rio Grande. Great

views!

Black-fronted Tyrannulet (E). Phylloscartes nigrifrons. A single one in Sierra

de Lema. Another one that usually hangs in pairs, so there is a suggestion of a nesting

pair.

McConnell's Flycatcher (Sierra de Lema Flycatcher). Mionectes macconnelli

(Mionectes m. roraimae). Currently considered a race of McConnell's Flycatcher, the

tepui form is likely to be a separate species, thus becoming a new tepui endemic

species. We (Steve Hilty and myself) are working on the proposal for it. In our 2009

tour we managed to see individuals foraging on berries in scrubby vegetation in Gran

Sabana.

Short-tailed Pygmy-Tyrant. Myiornis ecaudatus. The smallest passerine in the

world. It was heard in Rio Grande.

Helmeted Pygmy-Tyrant. Lophotriccus galeatus. Seen frequently in Sierra de

Lema and in the adjacent lowlands.

Pale-eyed Pygmy-Tyrant. Atalotriccus pilaris. One individual near Tucupita.

Black-chested Tyrant. Taeniotriccus Andrei. One of the highlights of the tour.

For a long time this species was considered a mystery among ornithologists and only

in the six years we have learned enough about it. Maybe, the two races not currently

recognized are valid.

Ruddy Tody-Flycatcher. Poecilotriccus russatus. Not very responsive this

year. After a bit of a search we managed to locate one, and see it very well.

Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher. Poecilotriccus Sylvia. Great views of a pair in

the Orinoco delta.

Common Tody-Flycatcher. Todirostrum cinereum. Common in cleared areas

in the lowlands.

Painted Tody-Flycatcher. Todirostrum pictum. Heard in Rio Grande.


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Yellow-olive Flycatcher. Tolmomyias sulphurescens. Seen well in the Orinoco

delta. Keep an eye on this one as it might involve more than one species.

Yellow-margined Flycatcher (Zimmer's Flatbill). Tolmomyias assimilis.

Heard frequently and seen in Sierra de Lema.

Gray-crowned Flycatcher (Gray-crowned Flatbill). Tolmomyias

poliocephalus. Heard frequently in the lowland forested areas and seen in the Alto

Cuyuni road.

Yellow-breasted Flycatcher (Ochre-lored Flatbill). Tolmomyias flaviventris.

This species is more tolerant to drier habitats than the previous two species. It was

seen near Puerto Ordaz.

Unknown Flycatcher. Tolmomyias sp. Unknown species of Tolmomyias in the

Delta Amacuro. This one have been seen for about 8 years and still lacks accurate

identification. The voice resembles the one of Tolmomyias poliocephalus.

Amazonian Royal Flycatcher. Onychorhynchus coronatus. One was seen with

a canopy feeding flock in Rio Grande.

Whiskered Flycatcher. Myiobius barbatus. Like the previous species, this one

was seen with a feeding flock, but one that occurred in the understory.

Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher. Terenotriccus erythrurus. Quite vocal and active.

This diminutive flycatcher was enjoyed and scoped in Rio Grande.

Cinnamon Tyrant. Neopipo cinnamomea. Heard in the Alto cuyuni road.

Cliff Flycatcher. Hirundinea ferruginea. Pair in Piedra de la Virgen, Sierra de

Lema.

Euler's Flycatcher. Lathrotriccus euleri. Great views of a pair in the Orinoco

delta. Restricted to riverine forest.

Fuscous Flycatcher. Cnemotriccus fuscatus. Seen various times near Tucupita.

Smoke-colored Pewee. Contopus fumigatus. Daily views in Sierra de Lema.

Rufous-tailed Tyrant. Knipolegus poecilurus. Great views in Sierra de Lema.

A very active male was displaying continuously.

Riverside Tyrant. Knipolegus orenocensis. Another river island specialist seen

well in the Orinoco delta.

Pied Water-Tyrant. Fluvicola pica. Seen in Cachamay and in El Palmar

wetlands.

White-headed Marsh-Tyrant. Arundinicola leucocephala. Various pairs in El

Palmar wetlands.

Long-tailed Tyrant. Colonia colonus. Various individuals in adult and juvenile

plumage in Rio Grande.

Cattle Tyrant. Machetornis rixosa. Common in El Palmar farmland.

Piratic Flycatcher. Legatus leucophaius. Commonly heard and seen in the


Rusty-margined Flycatcher. Myiozetetes cayanensis. Commonly heard and

seen in the lowland forested areas.

Social Flycatcher. Myiozetetes similis. This species is more tolerant to drier

habitat than the previous one. We first saw 1 individual of the race columbianus in

Cachamay park, showing the two wing bars. Later on, the unknown race located along

the Orinoco river was seen and taped. This one, may well be an un-described race.

Great Kiskadee. Pitangus sulphuratus. Seen daily in forest edge and secondary

growth in the lowlands.

Yellow-throated Flycatcher. Conopias parvus. Heard in Sierra de Lema, and

seen later in the Alto Cuyuni road.


19

Streaked Flycatcher. Myiodynastes maculates. Seen in Cachamay park.

Resident race.

Boat-billed Flycatcher. Megarynchus pitangua. Seen in Cachamay and in El

Palmar farmlands.

Sulphury Flycatcher. Tyrannopsis sulphurea. A pair were seen in Moriche

palm stand in the drive to Maturín.

Variegated Flycatcher. Empidonomus varius. The individuals we saw in the

Alto Cuyuni road and in Rio Grande might have been the austral migrant race.

Tropical Kingbird. Tyrannus melancholicus. Daily views.

Fork-tailed Flycatcher. Tyrannus savanna. Only individuals or pairs were

seen. Not large flocks.

Grayish Mourner. Rhytipterna simplex. One in Rio Grande.

The Myiarchus flycatchers can be difficult to identifiy in the field, specially

when the observer is exposed to various alternatives. In the Summer Eastern

Venezuela we learned to identify these species by some field marks, habitat and the

most important item, its voice.

Swainson's Flycatcher. Myiarchus swainsoni. Pair in Gran Sabana. Prefers

open areas and edge of humid to moist forest.

Venezuelan Flycatcher. Myiarchus venezuelensis. Pair in El Palmar. Prefers

the understory of dry forest, riverine forest. Occasionally found in forest edge.

Short-crested Flycatcher. Myiarchus ferox. Seen regularly. The most

widespread Myiarchus flycatcher in southern Venezuela.

Brown-crested Flycatcher. Myiarchus tyrannulus. Fairly common and

conspicuous in open areas. The rufous tail plus the prominent bill makes it easy to

identify.

Cinnamon Attila. Attila cinnamomeus. A single individual in dry forest, in El

Palmar.

Black-crowned Tityra. Tityra inquisitor. A male in El Palmar wetland.

Black-tailed Tityra. Tityra cayana. A male in Rio Grande.

White-naped Xenopsaris. Xenopsaris albinucha. We had amazing views of

this little known species in El Palmar, being the third record ever south of the Orinoco

River. The name Xenopsaris means a strange becard.

Cinereous Becard. Pachyramphus rufus. Heard in the Orinoco delta.

White-winged Becard. Pachyramphus polychopterus. Seen twice, in the

Orinoco delta and near Tucupita.

Black-capped Becard. Pachyramphus marginatus. A pair foraging with a

feeding flock in Sierra de Lema.

Pink-throated Becard. Pachyramphus minor. Pair with a feeding flock in Rio

Grande.

Swallows / Hirundinidae White-winged Swallow. Tachycineta albiventer. Common in wetlands located

in open areas.

Gray-breasted Martin. Progne chalybea. Common in open areas. Large

gathering at dusk in El Palmar.

Brown-chested Martin. Progne tapera. Concentrations of 200+ individuals of

the austral migrant race were observed in Gran Sabana and in El Palmar.

Blue-and-white Swallow. Notiochelidon cyanoleuca. Sierra de Lema.

Black-collared Swallow. Atticora melanoleuca. In Cachamay we saw about 60

individuals. Restricted to black water rivers.


20

Southern Rough-winged Swallow.. Stelgidopteryx ruficollis. Few individuals

in the mouth of rivers in the Orinoco delta.

Tawny-headed Swallow. Alopochelidon fucata. Excellent studies of a breeding

colony in Gran Sabana.

Wren / Troglodytidae Black-capped Donacobius. Donacobius atricapilla. Pairs in the Orinoco delta

and near Tucupita.

Bicolored Wren. Campylorhynchus griseus. Pair in the Orinoco delta.

Stripe-backed Wren. Campylorhynchus nuchalis. Common and numerous in

the Orinoco delta. Nesting.

Coraya Wren. Thryothorus coraya. Nice views of a pair in Sierra de Lema.

The highland forms might be treated as a separate species in the future.

Buff-breasted Wren. Thryothorus leucotis. Pair in the Orinoco delta.

House Wren. Troglodytes aedon. Common in disturbed habitat.

White-breasted Wood-Wren. Henicorhina leucosticta. Rio Grande.

Flutist Wren. Microcerculus ustulatus. Seen in Sierra de Lema coming almost

to our feet! Heard daily in Lema.

Musician Wren. Cyphorhinus arada. Superb views in Rio Grande. Scoped.

Thrushes & Allies / Turdidae Thrushes were silent this time. I was surprised for the lack of vocalizations of

these species. We missed White-necked Thrush, a common species in the lowlands.

This may suggest that some were nesting.

Rufous-brown Solitaire. Cichlopsis leucogenys. A pair were seen calling in

Sierra de Lema.

Pale-breasted Thrush. Turdus leucomelas. Common in Cachamay.

Black-billed Thrush. Turdus ignobilis. Common but silent in Sierra de Lema.

Cocoa Thrush. Turdus fumigatus. A pair in the Orinoco delta. This species can

be tricky to see in Venezuela.

Bare-eyed Thrush. Turdus nudigenis. Seen in the Orinoco delta.

Gnatcatchers / Polioptilidae Long-billed Gnatwren. Ramphocaenus melanurus. One seen in the Alto

Cuyuni road.

Tropical Gnatcatcher. Polioptila plumbea. Common around El Palmar.

Vireos & Allies / Vireonidae Red-eyed Vireo. Vireo olivaceus. Many in Cahamay. Resident race. Sometimes

called Chivi Vireo.

Lemon-chested Greenlet. Hylophilus thoracicus. Heard in Rio Grande.

Tepui Greenlet. Hylophilus sclateri. Seen in Sierra de Lema. Usually foraging

along with feeding flocks.

Buff-cheeked Greenlet. Hylophilus muscicapinus. Heard regularly in lowland

forested areas.

Scrub Greenlet. Hylophilus flavipes. More than six pairs were seen in

Cachamay park.

Tawny-crowned Greenlet. Hylophilus ochraceiceps. A single individual with

an understory feeding flock in Rio Grande.

Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo. Vireolanius leucotis. Great views of this canopy

species, moving along with a feeding flock in Sierra de lema.

Rufous-browed Peppershrike. Cyclarhis gujanensis. Heard almost daily and

seen in the Orinoco delta.


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Siskins & Crossbills / Fringillidae Trinidad Euphonia. Euphonia trinitatis. Seen well in Cachamay.

Violaceous Euphonia. Euphonia violacea. Pair in the Alto Cuyuni road.

White-vented Euphonia. Euphonia minuta. Pair in the Alto Cuyuni road,

calling from the canopy of an emergent tree.

Orange-bellied Euphonia. Euphonia xanthogaster. Common in Sierra de

Lema.

Blue-naped Chlorophonia. Chlorophonia cyanea. A pair in Sierra de Lema.

New World Warblers / Parulidae Tropical Parula. Parula pitiayumi. Seen in Cachamay, Sierra de Lema and the

Alto Cuyuni road. Usually in pairs.

Masked Yellowthroat. Geothlypis aequinoctialis. One individual near

Tucupita.

Slate-throated Redstart (Slate-throated Whitestart). Myioborus miniatus.

Seen in Sierra de Lema.

Tepui Redstart (Tepui Whitestart). Myioborus castaneocapilla (E) . Various

pairs in Sierra de Lema. Usually at higher elevations than previous species.

Two-banded Warbler (Roraiman Warbler). Basileuterus bivittatus

(Basileuterus (b.) roraimae). We only saw single individuals, not pairs. None were

singing. Nesting? Caller Roraiman Warbler in Hilty (2003) and treated as a tepui

endemic species.

Neotropical River Warbler. Basileuterus rivularis. Great studies in Rio

Grande.

Bananaquit / Coerobidae Bananaquit. Coereba flaveola. Two races were seen. The one in Sierra de

Lema and the Alto Cuyuni road might be treated as a separate species sometime in the

future. Seen daily.

Tanagers & Allies / Thraupidae Black-faced Tanager. Schistochlamys melanopis. Family groups in Gran

Sabana. This species was singing at dawn.

Magpie Tanager. Cissopis leverianus. Pair in the entrance of the Alto Cuyuni

road.

Yellow-backed Tanager. Hemithraupis flavicollis. A canopy species. A pair

was seen in the Alto Cuyuni road.

Hooded Tanager. Nemosia pileata. Pair in the Orinoco delta. This species

seems to be regularly on the move, chattering as to keep the group together.

Olive-backed Tanager. Mitrospingus oleaginous. Two groups were seen in

Sierra de Lema. Unlike previous years, no check was observed along with these

groups.

Fulvous Shrike-Tanager. Lanio fulvus. Pair with feeding flock in Sierra de

Lema.

Flame-crested Tanager. Tachyphonus cristatus. Pair in the Alto Cuyuni road.

Fulvous-crested Tanager. Tachyphonus surinamus. A female was observed in

Rio Grande.

White-lined Tanager. Tachyphonus rufus. Among the Tachyphonus tanagers in

Venezuela this is the most tolerant to drier habitat. We saw various pairs in El Palmar

and the Orinoco delta.

Red-shouldered Tanager. Tachyphonus phoenicius. Usually found in open

country. Various pairs in Sierra de Lema and Gran Sabana.


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Silver-beaked Tanager. Ramphocelus carbo. Seen daily in disturbed areas.

Blue-gray Tanager. Thraupis episcopus. Seen daily. Fond to forest edge and

disturbed areas.

Palm Tanager. Thraupis palmarum. Fond to forest edge and disturbed areas.

Also seen in Moriche palm stand.

Turquoise Tanager. Tangara Mexicana. A small group was seen in Rio

Grande.

Paradise Tanager. Tangara chilensis. Several groups were seen in Sierra de

Lema. Quite vocal.

Yellow-bellied Tanager. Tangara xanthogastra. Seen daily in Sierra de Lema,

with feeding flocks and by their own.

Speckled Tanager. Tangara guttata. Seen daily in Sierra de Lema, with feeding

flocks and by their own.

Bay-headed Tanager. Tangara gyrola. Unlike previous years, not numerous.

Seen in Sierra de Lema.

Burnished-buff Tanager. Tangara cayana. Common in Gran Sabana.

Black-headed Tanager. Tangara cyanoptera. This species deserves special

attention. Only recorded recently, we have found that not only the voice but the

plumage differs between this and the race occurring in the Coastal Cordillera and the

Andes. We saw three pairs in Sierra de Lema.

Blue Dacnis. Dacnis cayana. Pairs were seen regularly in Sierra de Lema.

Green Honeycreeper. Chlorophanes spiza. Seen daily in Sierra de Lema.

Purple Honeycreeper. Cyanerpes caeruleus. Common in Sierra de Lema.

Red-legged Honeycreeper. Cyanerpes cyaneus. Common and equally

numerous than previous species in Sierra de Lema.

Sparrows, Seedeaters etc. / Emberizidae Blue-black Grassquit. Volatinia jacarina. Common along the road to Maturin.

Gray Seedeater. Sporophila intermedia. Seen in Cachamay and along the drive

to Maturín.

Lesson's Seedeater. Sporophila bouvronides. A couple of males singing in

Cachamay. Also, seen in the Orinoco delta.

Yellow-bellied Seedeater. Sporophila nigricollis. Common in grassy areas.

Ruddy-breasted Seedeater. Sporophila minuta. Seen in Gran Sabana and near

Tucupita.

Chestnut-bellied Seed-Finch (Lesser Seed-Finch). Oryzoborus angolensis.

This species is almost extinct in Suriname and Guyana. One seen in Gran Sabana. The

numbers in Eastern Venezuela keep dropping probably due to the demand on it for the

song contest held annually in Guyana and Suriname.

Greater Flowerpiercer. Diglossa major. Great views of a single individual for

two consecutive days in Sierra de Lema.

Saffron Finch. Sicalis flaveola. Common in disturbed areas.

Orange-fronted Yellow-Finch. Sicalis Columbiana. A small group was seen in

the Orinoco delta.

Wedge-tailed Grass-Finch. Emberizoides herbicola. Various individuals were

enjoyed on Gran Sabana, singing after a short rain.

Red-capped Cardinal. Paroaria gularis. Seen in Cachamay park and in the

Orinoco delta. The race of the Orinoco is likely to be considered a separate species

soon, being called Masked Cardinal.


23

Tepui Brush-Finch. Atlapetes personatus. Mostly pairs, no family groups in

Sierra de Lema. Also, it is important to point out that most individuals were singing,

not calling.

Pectoral Sparrow. Arremon taciturnus. A single individual was seen well near

the Harpy Eagle nest.

Grassland Sparrow. Ammodramus humeralis. A pair in Sierra de Lema.

Yellow-browed Sparrow. Ammodramus aurifrons. Common in the Orinoco

delta, in river islands.

Rufous-collared Sparrow. Zonotrichia capensis. Various seen while we were

birding on Gran Sabana.

Saltators, Cardinals & Allies / Cardinalidae Grayish Saltator. Saltator coerulescens. Called Southern Grayish Saltator in

Hilty (2003). A pair was seen nicely singing for a while near Tucupita.

Slate-colored Grosbeak. Saltator grossus. A pair was seen in Sierra de Lema.

Yellow-green Grosbeak. Caryothraustes Canadensis. A pair in Sierra de Lema.

Unlike other years, this species was quiet and difficult.

Troupials & Allies (Icterids) / Icteridae Yellow-hooded Blackbird. Chrysomus icterocephalus. Small groups in El

Palmar and along the Orinoco delta.

Red-breasted Blackbird. Sturnella militaris. Scattered males on grassy areas

along the drive to Maturín.

Eastern Meadowlark. Sturnella magna. Seen in areas with grasslands.

Common.

Carib Grackle. Quiscalus lugubris. Common around farmland and in Puerto

Ordaz.

Shiny Cowbird. Molothrus bonariensis. Seen in El Palmar and near Tucupita.

Giant Cowbird. Molothrus oryzivorus. A pair was seen walking on the ground

in El Palmar.

Yellow Oriole. Icterus nigrogularis. Pairs in El Palmar and near Tucupita.

Venezuelan Troupial. Icterus icterus. Nice views in Parador Taguapire. Mr

Stofikm even has a name for each individual visiting the feeder!

Yellow-rumped Cacique. Cacicus cela. Common near Tucupita.

Red-rumped Cacique. Cacicus haemorrhous. Heard in Rio Grande.

Crested Oropendola. Psarocolius decumanus. Seen in the lowlands, at edge of

forest.

Green Oropendola. Psarocolius viridis. Unlike the previous species, this one

prefers forested areas and is less tolerant to disturbance.

Oriole Blackbird. Gymnomystax mexicanus. One was seen in Cachamay, and

later seen again near Tucupita.

Golden-tufted (Mountain) Grackle. Macroagelaius imthurni. Small groups.

Seen daily in Sierra de Lema.

Other species list. Weeping Capuchin Monkey. Cebus olivaceus. Cachamay park, the Alto Cuyuni

road and Rio Grande.

Red-howler Monkey. Alouatta seniculus. Orinoco delta.

Red-rumped Agouti. Dasyprocta leporina. Sierra de Lema.

Giant Anteater. Myrmecophaga tridactyla. Gran Sabana.

Reig's Opossum. Monodelphis reigi. The one was saw in Sierra de Lema might have

been this species. Further evidence needed.


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Guianan Saki Monkey. Pithecia pithecia. A troop of about 4 individuals was seen in

Rio Grande.

Bat species. Orinoco delta.

Pink River Dolphin. Inia geoffrensis. Orinoco delta.

Iguana. Iguana iguana. Cachamay park.

Spectacled Cayman. Cayman crocodilus. El Palmar.

Marine Toad. Bufo marinus. El Palmar.

Leaf Toad. Bufo margaritifer. Río Grande.

Giant Water Bug. Belostoma lopretoae. Orinoco delta.

Poison Dart Frog. Río Grande.

Mayfly species. (Heptageniidae, Leptophlebiidae). Gran Sabana.

summer eastern venezuela · vent 2009 summer eastern venezuela. d. ascanio 3 plan to submit a...

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